Editorial: Jackson County should get ready for the reality of $4-a-gallon gas

AP File PhotoThe average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.89 in Jackson and statewide today, according to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report.

Drivers in the Jackson area got a slight reprieve the last couple of days, as gas prices that had been perched just below $4 a gallon last week fell by a dime or more. Still, with summer (aka peak driving season) still more than three months away, expect gas prices to top the $4 mark before long. And to stay there, too.

The return of gas prices to stratospheric levels we last saw four years ago does not have one culprit. Analysts point to growing global demand, current unrest in the oil-rich Middle East and refinery shutdowns as factors.

The $4-a-gallon milestone might be symbolic — an increase from $3.99 to $4.09 will cost you only a dollar or two when you fill up the tank — but it is cause for real frustration and blame. It's President Obama's fault! It's the greedy oil companies! We need the Keystone pipeline!

Regardless, gasoline is more expensive today — it was $3.51 a year ago in Jackson — and it probably will be for most of this year. It is a waste of breath to complain. What makes more sense is to adjust.

We expect to see more people using bikes or walking to work this summer. Those bike lanes in Jackson will be put to better use now, won't they? We also predict more people will share rides or turn to public transportation. None of these are bad, although no one wants to change their behavior under duress.

The bigger problem is when there is not room to adjust. Many businesses will be forced to absorb or pass along higher costs to customers. High gas prices eat deeper into the budgets of people with less income, and no doubt will threaten many family vacations.

Still, whether $4-a-gallon gas arrives to stay today, this weekend or next month, brace yourselves. We're probably going to be stuck paying more. It could be a bumpy ride.